Reviews for Evangelion Shin Gekijouban: Jo (7.54) 2z1p6r

I knew it was supposed to be a summarized version of first quarter of the original "Neon Genesis Evangelion" TV series, but I expected more new scenes or at least major difference in every scene like the Doraemon remake "Nobita no Kyouryuu 2006" (Nobita's Dinosaur 2006).

Animation 4/10
The animation retains the original 1995 style and definitely more detailed compared to anything made in the '90s, but nothing remarkable compared to most other 2007 anime films. Practically all scenes are redrawn using the original storyboard and layouts devoid of any new camera angles or cuts. In fact, it's better to prepare yourself for a "digitally remastered recap" release than anything new.
TV-anime/OVA and theatrical features work on completely different level of budgets and deadlines. Animation quality in this film is so-so at best in movie standards. The new 3D Angels, especially Ramiel, were protrusive against the 2D cel animation in the background.

Sound 6/10
The BGM is also slightly improved from original, really exciting in battle scenes, but same bland music in slower, slice of life scenes.
I was a Takahashi Youko fan before she sang the theme song for "Neon Genesis". The opening song for anime, "Zankoku na Tenshi no These" was arguably the most famous and memorable OP of the decade. Hikki's "Beautiful World" is a good theme song just like all her other tie-ups, but it can't even be compared to its predecessor.
They did use the original voices though, which was really well-done, and didn't ruin the character impressions.

Story/Character 4.5/10
To be honest, I didn't like the TV series at all. I enjoyed the first few episodes as I did for many Japanese mecha series, but they focused too much on Ikari Shinji's hesitation and despair in piloting Eva after that point. I watched this film in hope that maybe I was too young to fully appreciate this series back then, and enjoy more this time, but even after 26 episodes and a rerun movie, Ikari Shinji only seems nothing more than a really dumb and weak kid who likes to exaggerate his emotions all the time. It was frustrating to watch, and in the end, the only thing I gained from watching this 'movie' was a 30 second teaser for the sequel.

Value/Enjoyment 1/10
I have only watched the TV series twice, when it was aired in 1995 (missed 3 or 4 episodes), and once more in 2003. For me, it was a carbon copy of the TV series, except a few new scenes of mechanical aspects of "New Tokyo 3" and the teaser in last 30 seconds of the film. Other than slight improvement in graphics, which I can barely notice because my eyes are used to much better animation in recent years, I have detected no difference in 98% of the screen time. What I'm trying to say, is that I wasted 100 minutes of my life watching a long rerun.

Maybe anime otakus who watched the TV series over and over can spot subtle differences and get a kick out of it, but for a casual anime viewer like me, it was a 100 minute long rerun. It wasn't even a movie. I don't understand why the producers felt the need to make this so-called cinematic release other than reviving a dead franchise for the sole purpose of making more money. I would vote a 0/10 for value if I could.

Needless to say, the viewing experience was unpleasant. I encounter very few works that I regret watching (since I don't stick around and just drop such series or movies), but this was one of them. I will definitely not be watching the 3 sequels.